Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-09-27
ROGER LAROQUE.
Adapted and Translated from the French
of Jules Mary.
BY OLIVE HARPER.

BY OLIVE HARPER.
When she went out Pierre followed her
with his eyes, and he piled the good natured
Catharinc with questions as to tho beautiful
young Miss Forney, who did not net so
frightened as do all young French girls when
they happen to meet a young man. He id
nired her sweet but sober dignity and her
evident self possession, and in fact he waxcd
exceedingly enthusiastic. Pierre fingered
long over his omelet and fresh bread, coffee
and cream cheese, in hopes of seeing the
young lady again, but OF last with heavy
sigh took his departure.
Suzanne worked until she had finished what
she wished to do and then returned to tho
cottage and giving Catharno her implements
und half finished sketch said: ~ shall DO
here early tomorrow morning, and try to
finish it." and then she rode OFF rapidly. AT
the moment she was about to leave the park
she made gesture of vexation and annoy
ance as she saw Pierre De Noirville standing
immovable as q statue and gazing ct her with
earnest admiration.
Then Pierre, angry with himself, turned
abruptly and shamefacedly toward his home,
the Meridon farm, which was to be seen from
the gate of the park.
Meridon farm was situated ct about six
miles from the White House and consisted Of
80 or 800 acres, through which ran the
yvette river, and here lived Julia De Noir-
vile with her two sons, Raymond and Pierre.
This farm was all that they had to depend
upon, for Luciens death left them but lily
provided for, until Lucien's uncle had died,
bequeathing this property to the two
brothers. Pierre managed the farm while
Raymond was preparing himself for the law
IN Paris.
Julia had greatly changed during these ten
years which followed the condemnation for
life to tho man she loved and the death of her
husband. Remorse had aged her, and, al
though she was but IS, she was bent and
withered and had the appearance of an old
woman. There was not day passed nor a
night in which she did not seem to see two
phantoms-the one whom she had sent TO
prison and death, the other her good and gen.
lie husband, dead in his friends defense.
Her life since then had been one poignant
regret. Had it not been for her two sons she
would certainly have divulged her part in
this horrible crime; but to clear Rogers
name she must blight those Of her two sons
And she thought Roger was dead, as he was
reported to have been killed In an attempt at
escape.
Raymond was % years old and Pierre "a.
Raymond was small, pale and Of nervous
temperament, with his fathers soulful eyes;
while Pierre was large, robust and dark.
Both were handsome.
Though living in Paris Raymond came
often to the farm, always Sundays, and as
often as his duties and studies permitted him
during the week.
The two brothers loved their mother ten
derly, and respected her habitual sadness az
the natural result Of the loss OF her husband
in so tragic manner. They believed that
she could never be consoled for that breave-
ment
That evening Raymond returned from
Paris, and seeing the game bag he remarked
to Pierre:
"If it is pleasant tomorrow will hunt with
you"
Pierre did not answer. II Raymond had
noticed his brothers face then he would have
seen look Of annoyance pass over it.
The next morning the sun shone bright and
the two brothers went out with their guns,
and for long time kept together, as they had
but one dog, but at last Raymond found him
self alone, and as he wes little tired he de-
cided to 60 on to the keepers cottage and
wait there for Pierre, who would DO sure to
come there for his lunch. But as he passed
along by the ruins he noticed outlined against
the sky the figure of beautiful young girl
standing on wall, which was so old that 1t
was wonder it had stood so long.
Il Al ~ ad
vision that be forgot where he was or that ho
held gun in his hand, when the dog saw a
pheasant and made movement which threw
the butt of Raymonds gun backward against
u tree, and there was sharp report, followed
by rushing, crumbling noise aud womans
piercing cry for help
The young girl on the wall had sprung as
the unexpected shot had resounded, and this
movement started the INSECURE wall, which
crumbled beneath her feet and she fell with
and among the stones some twenty feet Sho
screamed again as she fell, and Raymond also
heard another cry, that of Pierre. lie was
too far away himself TO receive any injury,
and very pale he was as he rushed forward,
but met Pierre with q deathly white face as
they both reached the inanimate body OF the
young stranger lying among the stones and
dust at the same time.
"Deadl' said Pierre, wildly; "deadl"
@Who is she, do you known
81 saw her yesterday for the first time"
Suzanne lay upon her back, her arms
stretched out and thin stream of blood
trickled down her pale face from deep
wound in her forehead. Pierre took her in
his strong arms and carried her to the foun-
tain Of st. Thebault There he laid her, with
her head upon a messy bank while Raymond
wet his handkerchief and made compress,
laying it over the bleeding wound. which
was deep and severe Then he bathed her
hands, her face and eyes
allow beautiful she isln said Raymond.